Hey crypto addicts,

Charles Hoskinson has revealed a plan to bring a portion of Bitcoin's estimated $1.6 trillion in idle capital into Cardano's DeFi ecosystem through a new platform called Pogun.

Instead of fighting for existing DeFi users, the goal is simple: attract Bitcoin holders by giving them new ways to lend, borrow and earn yield while keeping exposure to BTC.

Here's where it gets interesting.

Every transaction on the platform would require ADA to pay network fees, creating a direct source of demand for the token as activity grows.

The rollout is expected to happen in phases throughout 2026, beginning with Bitcoin lending markets, yield products and a trust-minimized bridge.

If the plan succeeds, Cardano won't just be another Layer 1 competing for attention. It could become a destination for Bitcoin liquidity, giving ADA a utility-driven narrative rather than one built purely on speculation.

Whether it delivers is another question, but it's definitely one of the biggest stories Cardano investors should be watching this year. ☕

What we’ve covered for you today:

For years, Bitcoin critics argued it could never compete with traditional payment giants like Visa and Mastercard.

Ironically, those same companies are now proving the opposite.

Instead of fighting crypto, Visa and Mastercard have spent the last few years quietly integrating blockchain technology into their payment networks. From stablecoin settlements to tokenized payments and crypto-linked cards, both companies are embracing digital assets rather than trying to replace them.

It's a major shift in the payments industry.

Rather than Bitcoin replacing Visa and Mastercard, the future is looking more like traditional finance and crypto working together. The infrastructure built by payment giants is increasingly being used to move blockchain-based assets, making digital currencies easier to spend in the real world.

The takeaway is simple.

Mass adoption may not come from people abandoning their bank cards overnight. It could happen through the payment networks billions of people already use every day, quietly bringing crypto into the mainstream without most users even noticing. ☕

South Korea's biggest crypto exchange is once again under the spotlight.

Authorities are reportedly investigating Dunamu, the parent company of Upbit, following last year's major security breach. But the focus isn't just on the hack itself. Regulators are now questioning whether current crypto laws give them enough power to hold exchanges fully accountable when incidents like this occur.

The case is exposing gaps in South Korea's digital asset regulations at a time when the country is pushing to become a global crypto leader.

For the industry, this could become a turning point.

Stronger oversight may increase compliance costs for exchanges, but it could also improve investor confidence by introducing clearer rules around security, accountability and consumer protection.

The outcome won't just affect Upbit. It could shape how crypto exchanges across South Korea are regulated for years to come, making this one of the most important legal developments the market is watching. ☕

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Sometimes fixing a bug isn't enough.

Zcash is preparing for another major network upgrade on July 28 as developers work to permanently close the chapter on the critical Orchard vulnerability that shook confidence in the privacy coin earlier this year.

The Ironwood hard fork won't hunt down counterfeit coins or reverse transactions. Instead, it introduces a new shielded pool while sealing off the old Orchard pool, preventing any potentially illegitimate ZEC from ever entering wider circulation. It's designed to remove uncertainty rather than rewrite history.

For users, the transition should be straightforward, although some wallets and exchanges may temporarily pause deposits and withdrawals while they upgrade their infrastructure.

The bigger picture is about trust.

Privacy coins rely heavily on confidence in their underlying cryptography. By strengthening the protocol and tightening supply verification, Zcash is aiming to reassure users that the network remains secure, transparent and built for the long term.

French regulators have ordered internet providers to block access to Polymarket, arguing the prediction market platform is operating as an unlicensed gambling service. The move reflects growing scrutiny of crypto-based prediction markets across Europe, with authorities raising concerns over consumer protection, market manipulation and regulatory oversight.

Consensys, the company behind MetaMask, has revealed that a software developer hired through a third-party contractor was later identified as having links to North Korea. The individual had access to internal systems for around a month before the threat was detected and access was immediately revoked. Consensys says there is no evidence that user funds.

Galaxy Digital is taking another step into the mainstream after securing a 15-year naming rights deal with Texas Tech University. Beginning this season, the Red Raiders' home venue will be renamed Galaxy Stadium as part of a partnership reportedly worth around $75 million. The agreement also includes sponsorships, student-athlete NIL opportunities and deeper.

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When The dip is forgotten. Feels good, man…